Transforming Floating Dock System

ABSTRACT

The invention is a multi-sectional floating dock that can be customized into 9 different configurations. This process is accomplished by inserting a tool into a rotation hole on the stationary dock and rotating it, which in turn rotates each of the four rotating dock sections into the desired format. The tool inserts into the rotation hole through various Insertion points and meets with a long row of teeth mounted on the bottom of the stationary dock. The gear and the teeth align so when you rotate the tool, this in-turn rotates each dock section pivoting around the symmetrical radii. Everything that rotates and moves is completely symmetrical in shape, size, and length. The docks will be outfitted with bullet holes for optional accessories that can be locked into place. A motorized version will also be available.

The Transforming Floating Dock System or TFDS for short may appear to be your standard run of the mill floating dock but after you see everything it can do you will realize it is anything but typical. It is a multi-section floating dock that can be customized in an instant by a single person into 9 different shaped docks, Refer to FIGS. 1-4 to see the docks 9 available configurations. Of course, this is just the basic model and many different sizes and options could easily be accommodated.

User Friendly: One person is able to transform the dock system without disconnecting any of the original 5 sections. Section A, the largest of the floating sections at 12′ long by 4 wide can be installed either parallel or perpendicular to your seawall or water frontage and will remain stationary with the use of 2 pilings. Whereas, sections B1, B2, C1, and C2 will be rotatable into different customizable positions on a track system (FIGS. 14). This transformation process is accomplished by simply inserting a stainless steel tool into a rotation hole on the dock and rotating the tool (FIG. 13) which in turn rotates each dock section into the desired configuration. So you actually stand on the rotating dock section to use the tool, no need to get into the water to reconfigure your dock and you can do it all by yourself.

How will it work: The Transforming Floating Dock System section A (4×12′) works together with dock sections B1 (4′×6′) and B2 (4′×6′) and C1 (4′×6′) and C2 (4′×6′) (FIGS. 1-4). Both ends of the stationary dock's section have a round radius that match identically to the radii of all the other dock sections which keeps everything symmetrical This design allows FIGS. 14 sections B1/B2 and C1/C2 to mechanically rotate with cam rollers, tracks, tubing, and pivot points from the center of the radii linked by even distanced pivot swing arras and pivot cam roller braces. The rotation is driven by a turning tool that sleeves a square head pin (FIG. 13) that has a gear on the bottom of the pin that may also have 2 sealed bearings (FIG. 5). The tool inserts into the rotation hole through various insertion points (FIGS. 5, 13, and 14) and meets with a long row of teeth mounted on the bottom of all floating dock sections. The gear and the teeth align so when you rotate the tool this in turn rotates the non-stationary dock sections individually pivoting around the symmetrical radii. Everything that rotates and moves is completely symmetrical in shape size and length. The TFDS will have built in stops in certain locations on the dock frame to stop the cam rollers from over rotating. This feature will also aid in keeping the dock sections tight and secure. The bullet holes on the top portions of the TFDS are also symmetrical and placed in specific locations for locking sections into place with tethered pins, The stationary dock's T-cap will overlap all the other rotating sections T-caps and the bullet holes will line up for the insertion of the locking pins. Another use for the bullet holes is for the multiple accessory options (FIGS. 8-12). Each optional accessory will be equipped with legs that lock it into position on the dock. There will be a flip up lever which pushes down a release pin to retract the spring-loaded locks (FIG. 15), The top deck corner caps will be removable so the composite deck planks can simply slide into position on the T-caps. Therefore, there is no additional hardware needed to keep the deck boards in place. The corner caps may need to be removed when rotating the dock sections into a new configuration. An alternative option will still have the gear and pin with sealed bearings in the same location, but it will incorporate a sealed gear box with 2-6 gears located under the pivot roller cam swing arms. This will bring the location of the rotation tool away from the top deck T-cap so it will allow the non-stationary docks to not hit the top corner caps during rotation (FIG. 14).

Power Option: In addition to the manual process I am incorporating a motorized version. These motors will be located in dock sections B1, B2, C1, and C2 (FIGS. 1 4), They would be mounted next to the manual gears and brackets that are already in place so it would be very simple to add this feature up front or in the future. The motors would operate by a remote or wired-in switch. There will be a signal wire to turn the power off to the motor you are using to stop it at the desired setting. There may also be an option for proportional control, which will operate the motor at lower rpms when it starts to get close to the desired position. These motors will have both pressure sensors and cam sensors for built-in safety features in case something gets lodged into the rotation system, AH wires and switches will be waterproof. If the motors can't be waterproof they will be mounted in waterproof boxes.

Construction and Mechanics: (FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, and 15) The track system used for the dock section rotations will be located between the top decking planks and the traditional floats under the dock frame. The tubular track system is built into the frame of all dock sections. Floating dock section A is the main section and will remain stationary with the exception of sliding up and down the pilings with water rise and fall. A standard gangway will be used to gain access to the floating dock from shore. The materials used in the construction of the TFDS will consist of: composite decking planks, the dock frame construction, corner caps, pivot swing arms, tubular track systems, pivot cam roller braces, top T-caps, cam rollers, pivot pins, locking pins, sealed bearings, C-channels, gears, interlocking gear teeth, upper and lower support braces, cam roller stops, piling brackets, top hold handle, rotation handle, rotation tool, gear boxes, and all accessories with the exception of the attached mesh lounger will be available in either Marine Grade Aluminum, Aircraft Aluminum Grade 6061-T6 or 6063-T6, or Marine Grade Stainless Steel Grade 316L The use of these materials means no rust, no corrosion, no painting, staining or replacing deck boards; a very low maintenance system. FIGS. 5, 13, 14, and 15 illustrates the 3 roller C-channel system whereas FIG. 7 exhibits the optional 4 roller system. All of the floating dock sections ride on cams that roll on and around the tubular tracks that are but into the frame. There will also be an access panel built into the frame system, a bolt in link of the frame, to easy install or remove the cam rollers as an assembly. The 3^(rd) possible design frame track system will be constructed the same as FIGS. 5, 13, 14 except it will have segmented C-channels with tube frame construction (FIG. 15). This will allow for less final product weight and material to help keep it more cost effective without effecting the integrity of TFD's quality or strength.

In conclusion, this dock system is the future of water real estate. Living on the water, social plans change at a moments notices. This dock can accommodate today's ever changing world that we live in. It fits so many more needs than a standard dock. How great would it be to change your water floor plan with a simple crank of a handle or the push of a button? 

1.) The Transforming Floating Dock System is a multi-sectional floating dock system. 2.) The Transforming Floating Dock System cited in claim 1 can be customized in an instant into different shaped docks without getting into the water by the following: the rotation is driven by a turning tool that sleeves a square head pin that has a gear on the bottom of the pin which in turn rotates each movable dock section into the desired configuration; the stationary dock section A works together with the rotating dock sections B1 and B2 and C1 and C2 (FIGS. 1-4); Both ends of the stationary dock section have a round radius that match identically to the radii of all the other dock sections which keeps everything symmetrical; sections B1/B2 and C1/C2 (FIGS. 1-4) mechanically rotate with cam rollers, tracks, tubing, and pivot points from the center of the radii linked by even distanced pivot swing arms and pivot cam roller braces. 3.) The Transforming Floating Dock System cited in claim 2 could be upgraded to a motorized version as follows; motors will be located in dock sections B1, B2, C1, and C2 (FIGS. 1-4); mounted next to the manual gears and brackets that are already in place so It would be very simple to add this feature up front or in the future; motors would operate by a remote or wired-in switch; signal wire to turn the power off to the motor you are using to stop it at the desired setting; proportional control, to operate the motor at lower rpms when it starts to get close to the desired position; motors will have both pressure sensors and cam sensors for safety; wires and switches waterproofed. 4.) The Transforming Floating Dock System cited in claim 2 or claim 3 will be constructed as follows: composite decking; the dock frame construction, comer caps, pivot swing arms, tubular track systems, pivot cam roller braces, top T-caps, cam rollers, pivot pins, locking pins, sealed bearings. C-channels. gears, interlocking gear teeth, upper and lower support braces, cam roller .stops, piling brackets, top hold handle, rotation handle, rotation tool, and gear boxes will be constructed out of Marine Grade Aluminum, 5.) The Transforming Floating Dock System cited in claim 2 or claim 3 will be constructed as follows: composite decking; the dock frame construction, corner caps, pivot swing arms, tubular track systems, pivot cam roller braces, top T-caps, cam rollers, pivot pins, locking pins, sealed bearings, C-channels, gears, interlocking gear teeth, upper and lower support braces, cam roller stops, piling brackets, top hold handle, rotation handle, rotation tool, and gear boxes will be constructed out of Aircraft Aluminum Grade 6061-T6, 6.) The Transforming Floating Dock System cited in claim 2 or claim 3 will be constructed as follows: composite decking; the dock frame construction, corner caps, pivot swing arms, tubular track systems, pivot cam roller braces, top T-caps, cam rollers, pivot pins, locking pins, sealed bearings, C-channels, gears, interlocking gear teeth, upper and lower support braces, cam roller stops, piling brackets, top hold handle, rotation handle, rotation tool, and gear boxes will be constructed out of Aircraft Aluminum Grade 6063-T6, 7.) The Transforming Hosting Dock System cited in claim 2 or claim 3 will be constructed as follows: composite decking; the dock frame construction, corner caps, pivot swing arms, tubular track systems, pivot cam roller braces, top T-caps, cam rollers, pivot pins, locking pins, sealed bearings, C-channels, gears, interlocking gear teeth, upper and lower support braces, cam roller stops, piling brackets, top hold handle, rotation hale, rotation tool, and gear boxes will be constructed out of Marine Grade Stainless Steel Grade 316L. 8.) The Transforming Floating Dock System cited in claims 1-7 have the following optional accessories available: attached mesh lounger; gas or charcoal grill; boat bumper rails; bench seat or chair, umbrella; ladder; kayak platform: railings; tie-off cleat; fishing rod holders; 